As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With many options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature inside your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you get back to your house, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Columbus, contact the skilled technicians at Classic Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Columbus, call the team at Classic Air. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, phone the pros at Classic Air. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Columbus and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 614-210-3041 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!